45 Best Things to Do in San Diego with Kids

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San Diego is one of the most popular family vacation destinations in the United States. There are plenty of things to do in San Diego with kids so just be sure to plan enough time to tick as many items as possible off of your bucket list.

Worried that all the fun places in San Diego are just for kids? There are baby activities in San Diego and plenty of things to do in San Diego with teens, too. The best news is that these San Diego attractions are just as fun for parents and I have tons of advice for how to save money on tickets.

Cool Stuff to Do in San Diego with Kids

Tip: If you plan on visiting two or more San Diego attractions, consider purchasing the Go San Diego Card® sightseeing pass.

They have a Build Your Own pass option with savings starting at 20% off. The more attractions you add, the higher your savings will be Or, choose the All-Inclusive pass which saves up to 55% off of 35+ attractions.

Most of the ticketed attractions below are on the Go San Diego Card. Otherwise, I’ve listed the best place I know of for discounted tickets (usually aRes Travel™, a San Diego-based ticket seller) where applicable under each attraction.

If you’re visiting in October, Kids Free San Diego offers free admission, meals, and hotel stays at over 100 participating restaurants, hotels, and attractions. It’s a great time of year to experience all of the cool stuff to do in San Diego without going over budget. Adults will need to buy a qualifying ticket to take advantage of this promotion which is easy to do.

The world-famous San Diego Zoo tops the list of things to do in San Diego with kids. It’s home to over 3700 rare and endangered animals and a beautiful display of over 700,000 exotic plants throughout its 100 acres.

Walking around the zoo’s maintained gardens is a pleasant way to spend a full-day or half-day. The San Diego Zoo is dedicated to conservation and pioneered cageless exhibits that replicate an animal’s natural habitat.

Highlights include the Polar Bear Plunge, pandas, Skyfari tram (panoramic views), Children’s Zoo and Africa Rocks. Live cams (panda cam, ape cam, etc.) are available online should you like to get the kids excited before a visit.

We also like to go right when it opens as the weather is cool and some animals enjoy breakfast during this time. However, I would highly encourage you to check out their special experiences, some of which you join before the park opens like Early Morning with the Pandas.

Over 2600 animals ranging from giraffes, elephants, lions and more roam in large, free-range enclosures at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

Tour on your own or schedule a safari (or both). Two of the most popular safaris include the Africa Tram tour around the park and the Skyline Safari zip line over some of the animal enclosures.

Be aware that it gets pretty hot in the summer. Animal enclosures can be spread out (these are mostly big animals, after all). Watching the afternoon cheetah run is one of the most popular attractions. We love the tigers of Tiger Trail, Nairobi Village (where the petting zoo is), and the new Walkabout Australia.

LEGOLAND California is, of course, one of the most popular things to do in San Diego with kids. The resort consists of LEGOLAND California, SEA LIFE® Aquarium, LEGOLAND Water Park, LEGOLAND Hotel, and LEGOLAND Castle Hotel.

If pressed for time, LEGOLAND California theme park can be visited in a half-day. The park is best for younger kids as the suggested age is between 2-12. Teens would have to be die-hard LEGO lovers to enjoy it as most rides might be too young for them. The average visit to SEA LIFE Aquarium is about 45 minutes, and it’s a fun stop, too.

The food at LEGOLAND California Resort outlets is surprisingly good for a theme park.

Tip: Bring mini figures to trade with staff members.

Important: During the school year, LEGOLAND California closes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The water park is also seasonal. Check their calendar before planning a visit.

SeaWorld San Diego alone draws tourists to our city from all over the world to enjoy up-close animal interactions, rides, and educational experiences.

Special behind-the-scenes tours give guests the opportunity to learn more about penguins, rays, dolphins, sea otters and more. Sesame Street Bay of Play® entertains young kids with mild rides and lots to climb on. The Manta roller coaster and new Electric Eel roller coaster thrill older riders. SeaWorld San Diego uses their facilities to rescue local sea life, including the often famished La Jolla seals.

Most guests spend an entire day here. A half-day is doable if short on time.

Tip: Now you can buy a Quick Queue® Premier pass to skip the lines. Discounted SeaWorld San Diego tickets are usually best bought through them directly.

5. Aquatica San Diego Water Park (Seasonal)

Location: Chula Vista

San Diego’s only water park features a wide range of attractions for any level of swimmer including wave pools, lazy river, water slides up to 78′, interactive water play areas, private cabana rentals and much more. Discounted Aquatica San Diego tickets are most often purchased through SeaWorld directly.

6. Belmont Park

Location: Mission Beach

Break from the beach for a few hours to pop into San Diego’s seaside amusement park.

Between a historic roller coaster, an arcade, numerous rides, giant scoops of ice cream, a zip line, laser tag and more, Belmont Park is a great thing to do in San Diego with kids and also ranks as one of the best things to do in San Diego with teens.

It’s located right on the beach and home to a couple of pretty good restaurants. They even have a Dole Whip® truck.

Tickets: You can buy discounted unlimited ride tickets sometimes through Costco or Groupon. The Go San Diego Card includes the all-access combo pass. Belmont Park now has an annual pass that residents may want to check out. Entrance to Belmont Park is free, but the cost of rides and activities can add up quickly here because kids love this park.

7. Old Town San Diego

Known as the birthplace of California, Old Town is fun to run around. In addition to a variety of shops and restaurants (many serve Mexican food), there is a lovely park and some historic sites.

The Whaley House is one of the coolest haunted houses in the country while the Seeley Stables is an old stagecoach stop. The Serra Museum showcases Kumeyaay Indians Spanish and Mexican exhibits of San Diego history starting in the 1700s and much more.

Old Town often has mariachis and people dressed in period costumes as well as other live entertainment. Check the event calendar. Kids also like popping into the shops.

8. Seaport Village

Location: Downtown San Diego

Yes, it’s a touristy spot, but Seaport Village is a fun seaside entertainment area for local and visiting families.

We’re talking about a fudge store, Frost Me Gourmet cupcakes (winner of Food Network’s Cupcake Wars), an awesome kite store (fly a kite on the nearby grassy area on the bay), roaming entertainment, ocean views, and dining at over 50 restaurants and shops in all.

It’s an excellent spot for family photos and within walking distance of many hotels in downtown San Diego. The historic carousel is fun to ride for younger kids.

9. Balboa Park

The nation’s largest urban cultural park is home to 16 museums (the most kid-friendly options are 10-14 below), many gorgeous gardens, the San Diego Zoo (mentioned above), restaurants, and performing arts venues. It is indeed one of the most fun places in San Diego.

Balboa Park is free to enter though the museums have individual ticket fees. The museums are best visited using a Balboa Park Explorer pass (provides entrance to all museums, with an option to include the San Diego Zoo, for a specified number of days) or the Go San Diego Card.

11. San Diego Natural History Museum

Location: Balboa Park

Located across the courtyard from the Fleet, the San Diego Natural History Museum is home to fossils, scavenger hunts, and exhibits regarding San Diego geology, ecosystems, and history. Kids under 5 will love the new Backyard play area (parents can watch with latte in-hand from the cafe only steps away).

12. San Diego Model Railroad Museum

Location: Balboa Park

The San Diego Model Railroad Museum isNorth America’s largest model railroad museum (27,000 square feet) and a toy train enthusiast’s dream with its four enormous scale and model layouts. The detail on the trains and the scenery is staggering. Admire and tinker with toy trains here, too. Kids will enjoy pushing buttons in the children’s area.

13. San Diego Air and Space Museum

Location: Balboa Park

Go to the San Diego Air and Space Museum to learn about the history of flight from early balloon ascents to space travel. Over 50 aircraft hang from the rafters, and the various galleries showcase the Wright brothers, the Golden Age of flight, World Wars I and II, the Jet Age in addition to women in flight.

14. Museum of Man

Location: Balboa Park

Kids can channel their inner archeologist at the Museum of Man. The can also dress up as a Pharaoh in addition to learning about excavating and wrapping mummies. The iconic California Tower is here. This activity would only be suitable for older kids, however.

15. San Diego Botanic Gardens

Location: Encinitas

If you’re looking for both a fun day outside with the kids and garden inspiration, this is your place. The San Diego Botanic Garden is home to 30 gorgeous gardens with themes ranging from fire safety to olive trees to plants native to the Canary Islands, in addition to the Hamilton Gardens filled with activities for kids. Guests can join a tour ranging from bird watching to various walks catered toward specific age groups.

16. Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Location: La Jolla

Birch Aquarium at Scripps is the public exploration center for the prestigious Scripps Institution of Oceanography and one of the best things to do in San Diego with kids.

Enter, and to the right, the impressive aquarium displays 60 habitats of fishes and invertebrates from the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest to the tropical waters of Mexico and beyond. On the other side, kids play with hands-on educational exhibits that teach the value of conservation.

A tide pool area in the back boasts panoramic ocean views over La Jolla Shores beach and is where docents help visitors gently touch starfish and anemones. And, there’s more.

I would also encourage you to take a look at their calendar of off-site programming, including whale watching tours (December through April), tide pool tours (winter), snorkeling with leopard sharks (summer), summer camps and other special events.

17. USS Midway Museum®

Location: Downtown

One of America’s longest-serving aircraft carriers is now a popular maritime museum home to 60 exhibits and 29 restored aircraft. Kids will love learning what life was like at sea on the USS Midway in addition to trying two flight simulators (height restrictions apply). Some of the docents lived on board the ship, and it’s one of the most unique museums you’ll ever visit.

18. Maritime Museum of San Diego®

Location: Downtown

This San Diego museum preserves one of the largest collections of historic vessels in the country. Visitors may climb on board to explore the ships, some of which still occasionally sail (check the website for tours on the bay). Highlights include the Star of India, the world’s oldest active sailing ship, and the Soviet-era B-39 submarine, one of the largest conventionally-powered submarines ever built.

Tip: It’s easy to pair a visit to the Maritime Museum of San Diego, USS Midway and Waterfront Park as they are neighbors on the Embarcadero. (Grab a taco at Carnitas Snack Shack here, too.)

19. The New Children’s Museum®

Location: Downtown

The goal of The New Children’s Museum is for children of all ages to experience the arts in ways that are meaningful to them. Their motto is, “think, play, create” and that’s exactly what kids do there through arts and crafts, hands-on exhibits and performing arts.Looking for baby activities in San Diego? This museum is free for babies under 12 months and is engaging for your littlest family members because they’ll love watching all the kids.

The activities in the museum is appropriate for toddlers up to teenagers. It’s one of the things to do in San Diego with kids that will spark their love of learning early.

20. San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum

Location: Escondido

If you happen to be in the area, stop by the San Diego Children’s Museum. It’s entirely dedicated to learning through play throughout 6000 square feet of indoor space and even more outside where there are chicken coops, worm farms and other investigative stations. The themes of water and energy conservation are present throughout.

Best San Diego Beaches for Kids and Teens

When you’re looking for fun places in San Diego, look no further than the beach. San Diego is home to 70 miles of stunning coastline which means there are many San Diego beaches to choose from. The odds are that there is a family-friendly beach near where you are staying, but here are my top picks.

21. Coronado Central Beach

Location: Coronado

This beach is in front of the Hotel Del Coronado® though it extends quite a distance past the luxury hotel. The water is usually pretty calm here, with a wide flat sandy beach to chill out on. You can walk up to eat at the Del and even rent chairs and umbrellas from their Del Beach area.

Coronado Central Beach ranks highly on national travel publication lists including Travel + Leisure. The north end is dog-friendly and suitable for surfing when waves cooperate.

22. La Jolla Shores Beach

Location: La Jolla

This beach suits people of all ages who crave ocean activities (some are listed below). The beach is flat, sandy and great for kids especially.

Kellogg Park’s playground, grassy areas, and amenities are right here, too. Lifeguards patrol the area, visitors may use the handful of fire pits (first come, first served) and the bathrooms are reasonably nice.

Walk easily to Avenida de la Playa, the main street in La Jolla Shores, for snacks (grab a sandwich at The Cheese Shop) or forgotten sunscreen. The parking lot is reasonably big but go early during summer months to avoid parking issues.

23. Kayak the Sea Caves

Location: La Jolla Shores Beach

Rent a double kayak, bring your own or join a tour. Kayaks launch easily from La Jolla Shores Beach for exploration of the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park. From above, you can see orange Garibaldi fish and our friendly sea lions.

You’ll pass by our sea caves. All but one are only visible from the ocean. Some tours will take you through Clam’s Cave where the barks of sea lions are almost deafening (but funny) though this is not something you should try on your own. I recommend a sea cave tour with Everyday California.

24. Snorkel or Swim with Leopard Sharks (Summer)

Location: La Jolla Shores Beach

La Jolla Shores Beach is also home to the largest aggregation of leopard sharks in the world. They arrive starting in June, but numbers peak around August and September. You’ll see them even in knee-deep water but mostly while snorkeling (swim slowly). No, they don’t bite.

25. Del Mar Beaches

Location: Del Mar

From 15th street in Del Mar through 29th street is an area of beach in front of beautiful homes that is very popular especially during the summer (when parking is difficult). It’s walkable from some of the most popular restaurants in Del Mar as well as L’Auberge Hotel and a few smaller inns.

Another stretch of Del Mar beach is Torrey Pines State Beach, near the famous state reserve. The state park system administers it so you’ll need to pay at a kiosk to park.

The most family-friendly strip of beach is located closest to the highway. Find bathrooms, showers, and lifeguards here as well as in addition to a fun little area where kids can play next to the lagoon. If you’re looking for baby activities in San Diego, Del Mar Beaches are a good choice.

26. Moonlight Beach

Location: Encinitas

Further north awaits Moonlight Beach. It’s a favorite concierge recommendation because it has probably the most family-friendly amenities of any North County San Diego beach. Between picnic tables, fire rings, lifeguards, restrooms, volleyball courts, a snack bar, and even equipment rentals, needs are very well taken care of here. Fun fact: The name Moonlight Beach stems from the fact that residents used to picnic here late at night during the 1900s.

27. Mission Bay Beaches

Location: Mission Bay

The largest human-made aquatic park in America is Mission Bay. In addition to vendors who offer a myriad of water sports from water skiing to SUP to aqua cycles, bay beaches are great for young families because there are no waves.

The sand is soft, and water is as calm as can be (though it can be murky in spots). Access the bay beaches in some places, but Sail Bay Beach in front of Fanuel Park in Pacific Beach is a favorite.

Fun Outdoor Activities in San Diego for Kids and Teens

28. Learn to Surf

Location: Various

One of the coolest things to do in San Diego with kids that embodies the California lifestyle is to get them up on a surfboard. Kids as young as five can take surfing lessons. Take private lessons, group lessons or even enroll in a half-day summer camp (by the day or week).

I would recommend Surf Diva® at La Jolla Shores or San Diego Surfing School in Pacific Beach, though there are accredited surf schools all up and down the coast.

29. Children’s Pool Seals and La Jolla Sea Lions

Location: La Jolla

One of the best free things to do in La Jolla is to visit the seals and sea lions. They’re cute, noisy and perhaps a bit stinky. As far as cool stuff to do in San Diego goes, this is definitely a kid pleaser.

The most popular location is called the Children’s Pool, a small stretch of beach protected by a partial seawall that was initially intended for kids to have a safe place to swim. Well, the seals took it over. Some say they should go, but in the meantime, they’re here hanging out and sunbathing for all to see. You may not touch them, and most of the time people may not walk on the beach here.

It is technically okay to swim at the Children’s Pool, but the water is not of the highest quality. It’s quite a scenic spot for photographs. Walk from here to the Cave Store along Coast Blvd. and you’ll also see a myriad of sea lions.

30. Cabrillo National Monument

Location: Point Loma

San Diego’s National Park is a fun one for all ages. Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo is thought to have discovered California in 1542 at Cabrillo National Monument.

In addition to panoramic views of downtown San Diego over the bay, other sights here include the iconic lighthouse, a visitor’s center where kids can earn a Junior Ranger stamp, lovely trail walks and fantastic tide pools (best viewing is November–March when low tides typically happen during the day).

31. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Location: La Jolla

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is home to the rare Torrey Pine tree, spectacular ocean views, and eight miles of trails, many of which are suitable for kids. Take advantage of the free public guided walks for families and small groups are on weekends and holidays to spot local flora and fauna. And, Torrey Pines State Beach is below the park so add on some fun in the sand before or after your visit.

32. Petco Park Baseball Game and Tour

Location: Downtown

Even if the Padres aren’t in season, take a behind the scenes tour of Petco Park. The tours are approximately 80 minutes in length and involve about 1.5 miles of walking onto the field, in the press box and more. The state-of-the-art, open-air ballpark boasts views of downtown and beyond.

If the team is playing, definitely grab tickets for a game. Petco Park boasts some of the best sightlines in baseball.

33. Waterfront Park

Location: Downtown

Families love this big waterfront park (hence the name) with its interactive water fountains (yes, they can play in them) and playground equipment. The large grassy area is great for picnics and games, and they even show outdoor movies here in the summer.

The views over the harbor are also spectacular. It is located across from the Maritime Museum of San Diego and next door to the Wyndham San Diego Bayfront.

34. Falconry Lessons

Location: La Jolla, Alpine, Ramona

The Torrey Pines Gliderport is also home to some cool falconry and owl experiences through Total Raptor eXperience where participants will enjoy the up-close interaction and learn to fly a raptor. All ages are welcome in the introductory class.

We enjoyed a falconry lesson with Sky Falconry at the Torrey Pines Gliderport a few years ago. They offer these lessons now only at their Alpine ranch. I would highly recommend them.

35. Electric Bike Tours

Location: La Jolla, Pacific Beach or Downtown

One of the most fun things to do in San Diego with teens is an electric bike tour (must be 13 or older) that allows riders to pedal when they like. Tour La Jolla beaches and scenic hilltops, Downtown sights and more. Or, rent one of these cool bikes for a few hours to do it on your own.

36. Queen Calafia®’s Magic Circle

Location: Escondido

A somewhat hidden gem in North County, Queen Califia’s Magic Circle is the only American sculpture garden by French artist Niki de Saint Phalle who is famous for colorful mosaics. This display includes nine large sculptures, a circular “snake wall” (400 feet long with varying heights), and a maze entryway in addition to some bench seating. Find it in Kit Carson Park.

37. The Stuart Collection at UC San Diego

Location: La Jolla

Another striking art installation is woven throughout the campus of UC San Diego. The Stuart Collection has 18 rather large pieces of public art ranging from an actual house hanging off the side of the Engineering Building (Fallen Star by Doh Ho Suh), steel trees, and the Sun God by Niki de Saint Phalle.

It makes a fun scavenger hunt for kids or something fun to look out for when touring the campus with a potential student. Download the map.

38. San Elijo Lagoon

Location: Cardiff

The nearly 1000-acre San Elijo Lagoon is one of San Diego’s most diverse coastal wetlands. See if you can spot some of the over 1000 species of birds, fish, reptiles, and mammals that call this area home. Before visiting, check their website for special programming and to see if any trails are closed.

39. Golf

Location: La Jolla, La Costa, Carlsbad

If your child has ever wanted to try golf or needs to polish his or her skills, San Diego is the perfect place for it. Find junior golf academies at Torrey Pines Golf Course, Omni La Costa, Aviara Golf Acadamy (near Park Hyatt Aviara and Four Seasons Resort and Residences), and elsewhere. All three are steps from popular San Diego family hotels.

Best San Diego Tours for Kids and Teens

40. San Diego Seal Tours

Location: Embarcadero or Seaport Village (Downtown)

Yes, even San Diego has the famous bus-boats that start on land and head into the water. San Diego Seal Tours are 90-minute, fully-narrated tours on an amphibious vehicle that tour scenic downtown spots and then submerge into the San Diego bay for skyline views and seal sightings.

41. Speed Boat Adventures®

Location: Harbor Island (Downtown)

Even if you’ve never driven a boat, you can drive these. Speed Boat Adventures has boats that are 13′ mini speed boats with quiet, eco-friendly motors that carry up to three people (small children sit in the middle). Boats have a two-way communicator so you can hear narration from the guide. It’s a fabulous way to see the San Diego Harbor and they even do sunset tours.

Other Seasonal Activities for Kids and Teens

43. Winter Tide Pooling

Location: Various

Tide pooling season begins in November and spans through roughly March when tides are low during the day. See sea creatures galore including sea anemones, hermit crabs, octopus, sea stars, sea slugs and more live in our tide pools.

Birch Aquarium leads tide pool tours near Scripps Pier at La Jolla Shores. Other great locations include the Cabrillo National Monument, Shell Beach in La Jolla, Tourmaline Surfing Park in Pacific Beach, in front of the Hotel Del Coronado and more.

44. Whale Watching

Whale Watching is viable for about nine months of the year here in San Diego. The types of whales seen depend on the season.

Roughly 20,000 gray whales make the 10,000-mile migration from Alaska to the warm waters of Mexico annually to give birth. Gray whales swim in offshore mostly from mid-December to April.

Your chances of seeing them from land (Torrey Pines State Park and Cabrillo National Monument are two excellent spots) are better earlier in the season as they tend to swim a bit closer to shore when en route to Mexico.

Blue whales are among the largest creatures on earth and spotted between mid-June and September. A variety of local companies offer whale watching tours.

45. Carlsbad Flower Fields®

Location: Carlsbad

Every spring, a 50-acre Carlsbad hillside turns into an almost rainbow of color as thousands of ranunculus flowers bloom against an ocean backdrop. It’s a tradition going over 60 years strong. The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch is a family-friendly San Diego attraction open to the public for about 6-8 weeks, with hayrides and other special events.

9 thoughts on “45 Best Things to Do in San Diego with Kids”

Thanks for the tips! We’re making our first family trip to the area this fall with our 6 year old for 3.5 days. LegoLand and the zoo were on our list as well as a beach visit – appreciate the beach info – is there one in particular you’d recommend?

How could you put SeaWorld on that list? This place is disgusting! Teaching your kids that it’s ok to lock up large marine mamals in tiny pools and train them circus shows is OK certainly should not be part of anyones education program.

Hi! Regardless of how anyone feels about SeaWorld, there are visitors to San Diego and residents who love it. As someone who writes about San Diego attractions on this site and for other major publications, it would be negligent and unprofessional for me to ignore its existence. People can make their own decisions whether or not they’d like to visit SeaWorld. I do appreciate your comment as it’s a good discussion to have!

I personally love Seaworld and their love for marine life and continuing educating kids about marine life. There are so many memories as a child going there and seeing animals. Any type of zoological life is wonderful education for kids and helps educate them about these animals.

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